The Matchup

 
Everyone loves a good derby game and in Canada there is nothing better than a hockey derby on Saturday evening. Fans are in for a pre-season treat this Saturday at 4:30 PM in the Father David Bauer Arena when crosstown rivals UBC and SFU drop the puck in exhibition play.


 
The Thunderbirds are in the midst of a seven game win streak over the Clan with SFU's last victory coming way back in January of 2012, when they beat the 'Birds 3-1. Since that Clan victory, UBC has outscored their Burnaby rivals 38-7.
 

Last Action

 
Saturday will be UBC's first game of the 2016-17 season. The last time they played a game that counted was a 7-3 road loss to the Mount Royal Cougars, knocking them from the Canada West playoffs.


 
Saturday's game will be SFU's first action of the 2016-17 campaign.
 

By the Numbers

 
28 – the amount of goals UBC's top line of Anthony Bardaro, Luke Lockhart, and Austin Vetterl produced last season. All are back this year and looking to improve upon the gaudy total.


 
14 – the number of games UBC goaltender Matt Hewitt started last year, exactly half of the Thunderbirds' 28 games on the season. With Eric Williams' graduation from the program, Hewitt will be expected to carry a heavier load in 2016-17.
 

Players To Watch

 
Anthony Bardaro – (#10, F) the leading scorer with 28 points in 27 games for the Thunderbirds in 2015-16, the ex-Vancouver Giant sniper is looking to have an even bigger year for the 'Blue and Gold'.
 

PRESS RELEASE: Jerret Smith is headed to play at the University of British Columbia @UBCMHKY https://t.co/jBIcMxLNnI pic.twitter.com/vfCDsPFqFB

— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) July 7, 2016

 
Jerret Smith – (#29, D) – a team leader and captain at every level of hockey he has played, he will be looking to take on the same load in his first season of CIS hockey. Smith was a dynamic force on the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) blueline in 2015-16, leading his squad all the way to the WHL final against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
 

Video Quotable